Mahindra KUV100 NXT: a "low cost" SUV for under 12,000 euros

Mahindra is updating the KUV100, which competes with the Dacia Duster for the title of the cheapest SUV on the market.

As part of the update that Mahindra has carried out across its entire range, the new Mahindra KUV100 NXT arrives, which, together with the Dacia Duster, becomes one of the cheapest SUV-bodied vehicles on the market. Above it in the Mahindra range sits the XUV 500, which also boasts a low price among large seven-seat SUVs.

A cheap SUV with an urban approach

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT is a vehicle with a decidedly urban approach. It has very compact dimensions, measuring 3.7 metres in length, 1.28 in width and 1.65 in height. This does not mean the interior is poorly used in terms of space. It is approved for five seats and offers a boot capacity of 243 litres.

In terms of design, the KUV100, which has been on sale for a year in markets such as Italy, seems to have appealed more to female buyers, who account for almost 55% of sales. But Mahindra has wanted to change another trend, which confirms that 50% of buyers of this SUV are between 45 and 65 years old.

To do so, the bet is on updating not only the design, but especially connectivity and multimedia. Now, the Mahindra KUV100 incorporates a 7-inch touchscreen, compared with the 3.5-inch unit it could previously have at most.

Other changes affect the upholstery used in the interior, the new design of the light clusters, and the addition of remote boot opening on the key fob. Overall, it is a welcome step forward over the previous model. But it must not be forgotten that we are dealing with an SUV that shows its “low” cost status in the materials used, with predominantly hard plastics and improvable fit and finish.

This translates into an appearance, both visual and tactile, that falls below what the cheapest cars in the category offer, even those that come close in price, although there are not many of them.

Engine: simplicity and reliability above all

Under the bonnet of the KUV100 there are no changes. The engine remains a 1.2 naturally aspirated 3-cylinder in-line unit with dual variable valve timing. It gains 5 CV, reaching 87 at 5,500 rpm. And the maximum torque of 115 Nm remains constant between 3,500 and 4,800 rpm. On paper, this is an engine that obliges the driver to use the gearbox frequently in order to move with some ease.

What Mahindra has done is improve everything related to the engine mounting to the chassis, in order to reduce vibration and increase refinement. A future bi-fuel version, adapted to run on LPG, is also announced.

With this petrol engine, the KUV100, available only with front-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual gearbox, has a claimed top speed of 148 km/h, with a combined average consumption of 6.5 l/100 km. The kerb weight of the vehicle is 1,190 kg, with a chassis using independent McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The front brakes are discs and the rear ones drums.

Range and prices of the Mahindra KUV100

Mahindra offers the KUV100 NXT with two trim levels, K6+ and K8. Besides the equipment differences, the K8 is distinguished aesthetically by its 15-inch alloy wheels, and by its exterior mirrors with integrated indicators. Compared with the base equipment of the K6+, the K8 adds an air conditioning climate control instead of manual air conditioning, an infotainment system with a 7-inch screen and satnav, keyless entry and push-button start.

The prices of the Mahindra KUV100 NXT in K6+ trim start from 12,990 euros, and from 15,290 euros for the K8. For six months, there is a launch campaign that brings these prices down to 11,730 and 14,035 euros, respectively. The warranty is 3 years or 100,000 km.

The KUV100 NXT is therefore very close to snatching from the Dacia Duster the title of cheapest SUV on the market. The Sandero is available in its basic trim from 11,460 euros, with the 1.0 TCe engine producing 100 CV.

Mahindra XUV100 NXT image gallery